Edinburgh’s Care-Experienced Youth get New Home!

Dean and Cauvin Young People’s Trust, Scotland’s oldest children’s charity, has recently unveiled a brand new house in north Edinburgh specifically tailored for care-experienced young people in the city. This initiative is a significant step towards providing a safe and nurturing environment for young individuals who have faced challenges in their lives.

Having served the children and youth of Edinburgh since 1733, Dean and Cauvin Young People’s Trust has continuously evolved its services to meet the changing needs of the community. Currently, the charity offers various support programs such as fostering services for teenagers, a Wellbeing Hub, community support for young families, and a specialized house for young mothers and their babies.

The newly constructed house in north Edinburgh is the result of a successful partnership between Dean and Cauvin Young People’s Trust and Harbour Homes, with CCG (Scotland) Ltd serving as the main contractor. This house will serve as a residence for young people aged 15-21, providing them with individual en-suite rooms, shared living spaces, wellbeing areas, and gardens. The dedicated staff at the house will guide and support each young person as they navigate the transition into adulthood, education, and employment.

Gary Dewar, CEO of Dean and Cauvin Young People’s Trust, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “Our new house in north Edinburgh is a symbol of the collaborative efforts put forth by our team and Harbour Homes. We aimed to create a vibrant and inclusive ‘place of hope’ where young people feel valued, connected to their community, and empowered to take on the next phase of their lives. Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Dean and Cauvin.”

Jaslin Bhagrath, chair of the Dean and Cauvin Young People’s Trust Board, emphasised the charity’s commitment to the local community and the positive impact of the new house, saying, “We take pride in being a local charity, and our new house signifies our dedication to the young people of the city. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff, board members, young individuals, as well as the generous support from independent funders and community members who contributed their time, resources, and enthusiasm to bring this project to fruition.”

Heather Kiteley, chief executive at Harbour Homes, shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration, remarking, “Working with Dean and Cauvin on this custom-built house has been a rewarding experience. I am excited to witness the growth and success of this new Edinburgh community in the coming months and years. The opening of the house marks a new beginning for the young residents who will soon call it home.”